ASHEVILLE - Thirsty Monk announced Thursday it will expand into Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon. Brian Grace, former Crooked Stave head brewer and Jolly Pumpkin production manager, has been hired as head brewer of the entire brewery group to assist with this growth. He will be based in Denver.

“Denver and Portland will be much more than just second homes to Thirsty Monk,” Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO, said in a press statement. “We will embrace the beer, food, and craft cultures in each of the cities, and operate as a true local brewery and pub."

Thirsty Monk, with brew-pub locations downtown and in Biltmore Park, styles itself the "brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars."

Bialik added, "Thirsty Monk has always been about sharing beer knowledge and the European pub culture. Being in Denver and Portland will help us learn from some of the country’s best craft beer markets, and to design beers influenced by all the communities we call home.”

Asheville brewing operations will remain under the tutelage of Norm Penn, who has been promoted to vice president of Thirsty Monk.

The new locations will localize the popular Thirsty Monk beers. “As our Brother Noah Belgian Chocolate Stout is brewed in Asheville using chocolate nibs from our friends at French Broad Chocolate," Penn said, "Brother Noah brewed in Denver will utilize a local Colorado chocolatier and Brother Noah brewed in Portland will be made with local Oregon chocolate."

Thirsty Monk said it will close on the purchase of a 12-barrel existing brewery in Denver this month — although it did not name the brewery — and will immediately start beer production there. Plans include a remodel of the existing taproom, slated for grand opening after Thanksgiving.

Grace began his brewing career with Moylan’s in California before heading to Jolly Pumpkin in Michigan and then Crooked Stave in Denver. “We are so excited to have Brian join our Monk family," Bialik said, "not just because he’s a well-respected head brewer, but also, he’s a creative and kind person. Good people make better beer.”

Asheville's Thirsty Monk pubs and brewery is buying out French Broad Brewery. The French Broad brand and beers will continue.(Photo11: Citizen-Times file photo)

In November, Thirsty Monk announced, it will close on the purchase of a Portland beer bar, also not yet identified. Operations will continue under the Portland location’s existing name until sometime early 2018, when it will shift to serve Thirsty Monk beers out of Denver, the company said. Thirsty Monk said it plans to install a small batch brewhouse in its Portland location and serve a selection of guest taps while brewing operations get going.

“We’re expanding Thirsty Monk in a whole new way, linking a network of localized brewing hubs — smart growth, craft-style," Bialik said. "No need to sell the soul to expand. Our soul, creative spirit and community roots are what we and our beers are all about.” adds Bialik.

In addition to the brew-pubs, Thirsty Monk operates the Top of the Monk craft cocktail bar and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, both in Asheville.